Cognitive Development Paper

Words: 1088
Pages: 5

Studying cognitive development is an extremely complex subject simply because it is your own brain studying itself and attempting to discover its own habits. This is concept seems completely absurd when the weight of it is considered, and yet it is something that we all continually attempt to do. As I was in the process of analyzing my own cognitive development for this assignment, I came to the realization that as I have gone through this course I have consistently been able to become more honest with myself. This recognition shows the effect that everything we do has on our thought process and that this class has helped me to more completely understand myself. The first model, Perry’s, caused me to ponder greatly on just where I stand …show more content…
For example, I see some aspects of relativism within my thought process. Such as within this section it is stated that “they are able to see different perspectives and evaluate the methods used to arrive at those perspectives.” For a good portion of my life I was never able to understand any perspective other than my own. I was stubborn in my ways and refused to admit that anyone else was correct. But as I have grown older and gained more experience, I am able to recognize that there were numerous holes within my way of thinking, and my thought process has adapted and evolved accordingly. There are times when I struggle to understand why people do the things they do, but when I apply the age-old phrase of ‘walking a mile in their shoes’ and my capability to sympathize is significantly increased. Another portion of relativism that I can relate to is the difficulty that is found within …show more content…
There are days in which I am all smiley and bright and I believe that everything is perfect and nothing could soil my day. And then in accordance to the second group, there are days in which I ‘strive’ to cling to the ideal, I push ideas of perfection and living the standards without one ounce of wavering. This usually comes over me in waves and only last for a few days at most. Then I come to grips with reality and realize that no one, including myself, are perfect. These ideas are simply too impractical and utterly condescending. We are taught to have empathy for others, and yet within the group that is so set on living the ideal, they seem to fail to have any empathy for others. Perfection is what is expected, and it is a disappointment when these standards aren’t met. This seems to be highly hypocritical and a true irony when the circumstances are taken into